Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, the spouses are unable to come to an agreement on issues such as child custody and division of marital assets. In such situations, the litigation process takes longer to conclude. When spouses can?t agree they go before the court and the court will make the final decision on all issues they were not able to negotiate.

Steps Involved in a Contested Divorce:


Meeting With an Attorney

Divorce Petition Served Upon Your Spouse

Your Spouse Responds to the Petition

Discovery

Settlement

Trial

Post ? Trial Motions

Appeals

Meeting With an Attorney:

Once you have met with a few attorneys and decided which one best suits you, he/she will interview you thoroughly. During this interview, your attorney will gather all documents pertaining to marital assets, children of the marriage and any other issues you feel are pertinent. He/she will then determine what he/she feels you are entitled to, will prepare your divorce petition and file it with the cou